Method and apparatus for providing content control via detection of modifications to a signal

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus is provided for generating or providing any of various types of modifications purposely made to generally known signals, waveforms, conditions, functions, etc. The modifications are sensed, read, detected or interpreted to provide a content control command indicative of the difference between the original signal, waveform, condition, functions, etc., and the modified signal, waveform, condition, function, etc. The content control command may be used to provide content control for a content control system, which in turn may provide control of a selected compliant device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to Provisional application Ser. No.60/927,223 filed on May 2, 2007 to Ronald Quan entitled, Content Controlvia Detection of Modifications to a Signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to content control systems and moreparticularly to a method and apparatus for detecting modificationspurposely made to prior art signals such as for example, copyinformation signals or copy protection signals such as sync signal orcolor burst modifications, or pseudo sync or automatic gain control(AGC) signals in any combination, to form a subsequent content controlcommand for controlling a compliant device. Ergo, a modification to aconventional signal, arrangement of signals or the number of signalsdetected determines the operation of the compliant device.

For example, if a pseudo sync or AGC signal is detected, the resultingcontent control command provides a predetermined control to a compliantdevice. If one signal is detected, the compliant device may record ordisplay for an hour. If two signals are detected the compliant devicemay shut down or display an error signal in response to the contentcontrol command.

Such compliant device includes a reader, sensor or detector of one ormore copy information signals such as a CGMS or data signal, and or to acopy protection signal such as an AGC and or pseudo sync signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A content control system may include one or any combination of storage,receiving, analog, digital, software, transmission, display,computational, radio frequency, magnetic, and or optical (compliant)device.

The following patents and or patent applications are incorporated byreference in this application, as well as any or all of their/itscontinuation (s) and or divisional(s). Any modification of at least aportion of a video signal as described in any combination of patent(s)and or patent application(s) mentioned and or incorporated by reference,may be detected for use in a content control system in accordance withthe invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,936 exemplifies signal modifications which may bedetected for use in content control. For example FIG. 4 exemplifies amodified front porch level; FIGS. 5a-5c exemplify adding or inserting asignal whose range may be anywhere within below blanking level to atleast peak white in selected TV lines of selected pixels, which may alsoinclude blanking and or active picture portion(s); FIGS. 6a-6c exemplifyapparatuses to insert or to provide pulses with one level and/or withanother level (e.g., as a function of time) in selected pixels ofselected TV lines; FIGS. 8, 9, 14a, 14b, 21 exemplify apparatuses whichcombine various pulses of particular duration(s) and or level(s) to aportion of a video signal, and or the level may be at or below blanking,near blanking, and or above blanking as for example illustrated by avoltage divider form with a +V and −V voltage source in FIGS. 6B and 9,sync replacement S50, 29b (e.g. prolonged sync pulse); and FIGS. 32a,35b, 38e, 43g, which show for example adding a signal in the range of100 KHz to 5 MHz to a portion of a video signal such as an activeportion of a video line, or a portion of a sync pulse or horizontalblanking interval. Alternatively, one or more pulse may be added in aback porch area or portion of the video signal, wherein the pulses maybe modulated, and a periodic or aperiodic signal may be added to aportion of a video signal.

The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal ofPatent '936 that may be used in one or more embodiments of theinvention: 1) Enhancement or modification signals such as checkers, or areplaced level in a portion of the front and or back porch area, whereinthe replaced level may be above or below a blanking level. 2) Anamplitude, pulse-width, and or position modulated negative pulse in aback porch area (or its vicinity) or in a front porch area (or itsvicinity). 3) A modulated waveform in the last few lines of a TV fieldor frame and or in a VBI portion, wherein the waveform has two differentlevels such as blanking level to below or above blanking level or toabout blanking level. The period of the modulated waveform in the lastfew lines may be in seconds to less than a second. 4) For processingvideo in selected lines, narrowed syncs or narrowed syncs with AGCpulses or narrowed syncs with AGC and or pseudo syncs pulses (e.g., seeblocks 208 and or 204, 206). An end of field (EOF) waveform or awaveform in a portion of a video signal (interval), (which) may containa pulse amplitude modulated waveform whose frequency is between 100 KHzand 5 MHz. The amplitude modulation may (be static or) change/vary theamplitude of the waveform (e.g., 100 KHz to 5 MHz) over time (syncnarrowing, and an enhancement signal may be included). Any combinationof the enhancement or erroneous signals mentioned and or combined withAGC pulses and or raised back porch pulses and or pseudo sync pulses. 5)A video signal with AGC pulses with one set of narrowed horizontal syncpulses and/or another set of further narrowed horizontal sync pulses. 6)One or more levels of sync narrowing. 7) Level shifting in an HBI areaor level shifting in one or more portions of the video signal or HBI. 8)Any modification or waveform (or a part of a signal) mentioned may besensed, read or detected and used in a content control system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,448. The following is a partial list ofmodifications to a video signal that may be used in one or moreembodiments of the invention: 9) FIGS. 1 and 2, which for example showan analog copy protection signal for record or content control, or adigital copy protection information bit for content control. 10) Ananticopy bit or content control bit detector and or an analog copyprotection signal detector, which detects information in the digital andor analog domain to provide content control. 11) An A/D convertor toreceive an analog signal and produce a digital flag for detection of amodification to the analog video signal and or 12) a D/A convertor toreceive a digital flag (e.g., with a flag detector), which may be usedto process the video signal into a modified analog signal. 13) A copyprotection signal generator, which may apply copy protection signal(s)to a D/A convertor. 14) An SCPS (Serial Copy Protection Scheme) bitdetector, which detects a digital bit stream for copy protectioninformation. 15) A recorder, which may be just one exemplary device thatsenses copy protection information in the analog and or digital domain,and wherein the recorder may follow commands from the copy protectioninformation to shut down, not record and or to add/insert a copyprotection waveform (or to provide a modified signal) at its output. 16)A disabler of viewing or recording, which is a function of the detectedcopy protected information signal (or detected modified signal) in theanalog and or digital domain. 17) Detection of a flag in analog and ordigital domain to control application of copy protection signal(s) andor to affect recording or viewing in compliant devices. Using anycombination of an SCPS, anticopy/antiview, and or copy protectionsignal. For example, a reader may sense a pseudo sync pulse, back porchAGC pulse, pseudo sync-AGC pulse pair, field/frame length variation,line duration variation and or sync amplitude reduction. A contentcontrol system may sense any combination of these signals to perform adisabling/modifying function (e.g., disable recording and or viewing)and or to add/insert via a generator a waveform to provide an analogsignal (and or digital signal) with copy protection. The waveform(s) maybe programmable or set (e.g., by a user).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,747. The following is a partial list ofmodifications to a video signal that may be used in one or moreembodiments of the invention: 18) FIGS. 1-3, show for example, a methodand system of providing copy protection of video for analog and ordigital signals, wherein the signals are transmitted via a network(e.g., digital delivery network). This digital delivery network maycomprise a pay per view, or pay per download feature. 19) Thetransmission may include a wireless, wired, optical, phone line, cable,WiFi, Wimax, and or Internet. 20) A set top box or device (such as areceiver, cell phone, or portable computing device) receives programmaterial with control bits. The control bits may command the device orset top box to generate any copy protection information signal, modifiedsignal, and or any copy protection signal at its output (digital and oranalog or radio frequency). The device or set top box may include anycombination of a digital decompressor and or MPEG decoder, demodulator,software application(s), memory, storage device(s), computing system,CPU, electronic program guide, display, audio processing, conditionalaccess system, configuration bits for turning on/off and or selected asignal with a copy protection signal or a modification in a videosignal. The device may produce high, standard, and or low resolutionvideo signal(s). Configuration and or mode bit(s) may be used inproviding any modification of the (video) signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,842. The following is a partial list ofmodifications to a video signal that may be used in one or moreembodiments of the invention: 21) claims 1-10, which alters the levelafter a sync pulse. For example, the alteration may include modifying aportion of a back porch such as in the range of −10 IRE to −30 IRE thatmay be sensed or measured and/or used to convey a command for a contentcontrol system. 22) Any combination of back porch lowering, syncnarrowing, sync widening, AGC pulses, pseudo sync pulses, end of linesignal, and or end of field signal may convey a signal or command for acontent control system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,132. The following is a partial list ofmodifications to a video signal that may be used in one or moreembodiments of the invention: 23) FIGS. 3A to 7 and columns 9-14, whichshow examples of providing subcarrier signals in one or more horizontalblanking intervals. One example is to provide a modified color burstafter the trailing edge of a horizontal sync pulse (or in a sync area).Note that the horizontal sync pulse may be set to a position and orpulse-width. The color burst may include amplitude (and or phase)variations within a portion of the video signal. For example a segmentedcolor burst signal may be provided. Alternatively, the color burstmodifications may include extra or fewer cycles of subcarrier than thecolor burst of another TV line or a “standard” color burst. Columns 9-14show various tables 1a, 1B, 2a, and 2b, which are examples of variousmodifications or provisions to a video signal, and of which any featureof any combination may be used in a content control system. Of coursethese tables are examples, and other parameters or numbers may be used.One or more of the modifications may be utilized in a digitalrecorder(s), recorder(s), and or integrated circuit(s). 24) Colorburstmodifications or changes in R-Y or B-Y signals (for a component TVsignal) may be sensed/read/detected to convey a command to a contentcontrol system. The color burst modifications include phase, amplitude,one or more phase switch point, and or programmability of the colorburst modification. 25) Any combination of a varied width or position inone or more sync signals may be used/read to convey a signal to acontent control system. 26) The varied width and or position of a syncsignal, AGC, pseudo sync, and or color burst modification may convey atleast one command or signal to a content control system. 27) Two line(or m-line) or four line (or n-line) color stripe signal is describedand may convey one or more content control command(s). 28) Advancedcolor burst signal or a color burst of extended duration, may be used ina content control system. Note a narrowed duration color burst signal isapplicable for one or more embodiments of the invention. A weakenedversion of this color burst modification may be used for content controland or detection. This weakened version of color burst or split burstsignal has improved playability (and for example may have reduced ornegligible or nil effectiveness on a VCR). For example, a color burstmay be divided into N zones. A modified phase or frequency can occupy afraction of the color burst envelopes (e.g., 1 or 2 or 3, 4, or morecycles), which would provide an improved playability color stripesignal. The other (e.g. majority) zones may have substantially normalburst phase or frequency. In the PAL standard for example, playabilityartifacts can occur when too many cycles per lines have modified phasein the color stripe signal. One can reduce the number of cycles and orreduce the number of lines containing the modified phase. Also themodified phase is often a multiple of 90 degrees. Improved playabilitycan be achieved by setting the modified phase to less than 90 degrees(e.g., between 1-30 degrees may be acceptable for playability, but otherranges in degrees are usable.) Also, in the PAL or NTSC standard some TVsets show a saturation or brightness shift (artifacts) on those TV linesmodified with a few cycles of modified phase, and no artifacts on thelines with normal burst phase. Thus, there is a discontinuity onsaturation or brightness throughout the TV field. One way to improveplayability or to reduce artifacts, is to set substantially many, most,or all lines in the active field with a very mild or weakened form ofthe color stripe signal (e.g., one or two or three or four cycles perline). This way the shift or artifact is throughout the field, whichdisplays a constant shift in saturation or brightness, and which is notas noticeable (because discontinuities of saturation or brightness arenot displayed). The modified phase cycles may be placed in any order orlocation in the selected HBI (preferably an order or location that isdetectable but does not cause display artifacts). A provided weakenedform of a color stripe signal (or color burst modification) may be thendetected for a control content system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,600,873. The following is a partial list ofmodifications to a video signal that may be used in one or moreembodiments of the invention: 29) FIGS. 1C, 2, and 3, which showdetection of a color burst modification for content control. Forexample, a modified color burst detector may detect a phase variation ora particular phase as a way to signal the presence of a content controlsignal. 30) A disabler to modify/prohibit recording or viewing may becoupled to the detector. 31) A switch may be used to switch in a signalsource upon detection of a modified color burst, wherein the signalsource can be a variation of the program video source or a fixed, orpre-stored signal or substitute signal. 32) The modified color burst maycontain one or more phase switch points and or a non normal subcarrierphase of one or more cycles, which may be used to signify one or morecontent control command. A modified color burst may be read, sensed ordetected and used to convey information (e.g., control of viewing and orrecording) in a content control system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,549. FIGS. 2-11, show various modifications to syncor pseudo sync signals such as pulse width or position modification(s).Positive (or negative) going pulses (e.g., AGC pulses or (pseudo sync orhorizontal sync pulses)) may include a pulse width or positionmodification. A duration of a gap between negative going and or positivegoing pulses may be read or sensed for use in a content control system(e.g., wherein the gap duration may include zero or some non zerovalue). Amplitude modifications of positive and or negative going pulses(or gap) may convey a content control signal. For example, a change inposition, amplitude, pulse-width, phase, gap-width, and or level fromone sync, pseudo sync, back porch pulse (AGC or positive going), and orAGC pulse may be sensed/read/detected/interpreted to convey one or morecommand for a content control system. The number of negative and orpositive going pulses from one TV line to another TV line may be used toconvey content control information or command. Further, themodification(s) of the positive and or negative going pulses within a TVline or within a duration (such as within one or more TV lines or one ormore TV fields or frames) may be used in one or more embodiments of theinvention. It should be noted that although the gap level is normallyaround a black level or a blanking level, it can be increased in levelfor increased effectiveness for copy protection purposes, increasedeffectiveness in an AGC system, or for use in providing a contentcontrol signal. For example the gap voltage or level between a trailingedge of a negative going pulse (e.g., pseudo sync pulse) and a leadingedge of a positive going pulse (e.g., AGC pulse) may be raised above 0%white level (e.g., from 0.5% to 140% white level). Note a portion of thegap may be varied in level to provide increased (or decreased, e.g.,lowering a gap level) effectiveness. Alternatively, a portion or wholeof the gap voltage may be lowered to below a black or blanking level aspart of a content control and or copy protection signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,294. FIGS. 2A-9 show various illustrations ofmodifying color burst signals or providing modified subcarrier signalsfollowing a sync pulse, which may provide a content control command. Forexample these modified signals may include one or more segmentsincluding one phase or another. The modified signals may include anamplitude variation in a portion of the horizontal blanking interval orin a portion of a back porch area. Providing a color burst envelope ofphase, duration, position, and or amplitude variation can be utilized ascontent control in one or more embodiments of the invention. The colorburst envelope may be read for any variation and used in a contentcontrol system. A color stripe detector (or its output signal) may ormay not be used in processing a video signal whereby the color stripedetector or phase or frequency detector may be part of a content controlsystem.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,698. FIGS. 2A-9 show various content controlmodifications in a horizontal blanking interval and or its vicinity. Forexample, modified frequency or phase of a subcarrier signal is providedin a portion of the horizontal blanking interval (HBI), which may beused to convey a content control information signal. Front porchmodification and or adding a subcarrier signal to a sync tip portion andor to a back porch portion can be provided in a video signal, which canbe sensed, read or detected by a detector “examining” one or morearea(s) in the (horizontal) blanking interval. Any of thesemodifications or added/inserted subcarrier signal(s) may be used toconvey information for a content control system. In addition, asubcarrier signal may include one or more cycles of a frequency that isnot the nominal color subcarrier frequency. For example, the subcarrierfrequency mentioned may be not equal (e.g., above or below a “standard”3.58 MHz or 4.43 MHz color frequency) to the nominal or generallystandard subcarrier frequency of the TV standard in question such asNTSC, PAL or SECAM subcarrier frequencies. A subcarrier signal ofcorrect frequency and or phase and a signal of incorrect frequency andor phase may be provided in a back porch area or portion of a horizontalblanking interval, which may be used in one or more embodiment of theinvention. The U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,698 invention includes the use ofsync position, pulse-width modification, and or a basic copy protectionsignal such as pseudo sync and or AGC signals. Also included is Internetreception of video signals and the provision of one or more types ofanalog video signal(s) with one or more modification(s) to the analogsignal(s). The invention further includes for example, a modifiedduration and or position of sync pulses (e.g., narrowed, or widenedhorizontal sync pulse(s) and or one or more horizontal sync pulse(s)changed in position). Also included is a modified duration of one ormore horizontal blanking interval. For example, a widened portion oneither or both sides of the active video line may be replaced with avoltage level or blanking level, or a narrowed horizontal blankinginterval is provided, wherein extra picture information is included,which increases the duration of an active TV line. Incorporated in thisapplication for example, is the description in column 10, lines 50-62 ofPatent '698.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,236,683. FIGS. 1-5 show various modifications to a videosignal which may provide content control, including: extended colorburst duration, a sync signal inserted or added before or after a syncpulse, an extended (at least a portion of) pseudo sync and or horizontalsync, color burst attenuation or blanking, pre-sync pulses and orpositive going pulses, or negative going and positive going signals inan HBI. A basic copy protection process such as AGC or pseudo syncpulses, or pseudo sync and AGC pulses may be used in combination withthe above modifications to provide one or more embodiments of theinvention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,603. FIGS. 1-3 depict pseudo sync and or AGC pulses,which may be utilized in one or more embodiments of the invention. Aweakened version of this signal (e.g., fewer lines in a field, ormodified pulses in, for example, amplitude, pulse-width, and orposition) to produce less effectiveness (and or better playability) maybe used for detection for compliant devices or content control.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,093. FIGS. 1-6. Pseudo sync and or AGC pulsedetection is used for content control. For example, a record controlsystem is shown for shutting off or modifying a video signal if a pseudosync and or AGC pulse is detected.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,216. FIGS. 1-2. A burst phase modifier provides acolor-stripe signal on selected TV lines or a modified color burst inselected lines, which may include a modified phase of subcarrier, andmay be used to convey a content control command. A weakened version ofthis signal (e.g., fewer lines or cycles of modified subcarrier in afield to produce less effectiveness and or produce improved playability)may be used for detection for compliant devices or content control.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,832. FIGS. 3-4. Sync pulse narrowing and an AGCpulse are shown which may be used for conveying content control. Forexample, a video signal including selected narrowed sync pulses (e.g.,horizontal syncs) and pseudo sync and or AGC pulses, may be coupled to acompliant device, which detects the presence of one or more AGC, pseudosync, and or narrowed sync pulses. Included may be a lowered back porcharea, which may be combined with the video signal (as previouslymentioned), and or the lowered back porch area, may be sensed for use incontent control system(s).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,098. FIGS. 1-3. A video signal with a raised backporch or added/inserted positive going pulse may be combined with areduced sync level on a sync pulse to provide content control. Ingeneral, the term “raised back porch” may include a signal with a raisedback porch and or a positive going pulse in an HBI portion (e.g., afterthe trailing edge of a sync pulse, wherein the sync pulse may havenormal or non-normal pulse-width.) A reduced sync level may be sensed orread for conveying information in a content control system. Thecombination of a reduced sync level and AGC back porch pulse, or AGCpulse elsewhere, may be sensed or read for conveying information to acontent control system.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US20060093140A1. HD contentcontrol. Included is the modification of a signal with a tri-level syncsignal. The modification may include positive or negative going signalsin a back porch area, a portion of a horizontal blanking interval, aportion of an active line, and or a portion of a vertical blankinginterval. Any composite or component video signal channel may have oneor more of these modifications to provide content control. Anymodification may include modulation.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US20060093139A1. Modificationof a tri-level sync video signal may provide a content control command.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US20060251252A1. Modificationof a video signal may be used to change a command in a content controlsystem. This may include changing the position of added pulses of onetype of copy protection signal relative to another. For example, one ormore positive going AGC pulses may be added in other locations of avideo signal to provide content control.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US20060085863A1, FIGS. 1-8,include an anti-copy protection (ACP) waveform (that is for exampleprogrammable) in the recorded media to provide content control.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US20060083373A1, FIGS. 1A-2Dillustrate blanking a portion of the copy protection signal to providecontent control.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,810. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate raising a black level ofan active video portion, or lowering a back porch and or color burstenvelope to provide content control.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,901. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate replacing a color-burstlevel and or clipping a portion of a pseudo sync pulse to providecontent control. A copy protection signal may include at least a portionof a color burst envelope that is raised or lowered for a finiteduration. For example, a copy protection such as AGC and or pseudo syncsignals with reduced or defeated effectiveness may be used as a contentcontrol signal or be detected in a content control system.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,890. FIG. 1 illustrates removing burst phasemodulation of a color burst to provide content control.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,510, FIGS. 1-4(i) illustrate narrowing or increasingthe frequency of AGC, sync, and or pseudo sync signals. Time compressionof a portion of a video signal is one method of processing a videosignal to provide content control. Another application of timecompression is scaling the video line and or field rate. For example,scaling may include compression or expansion geometrically along one ormore dimensions (e.g., width and or height). Any of these signalmodifications may be used to provide content control or be used as partof a video signal for content control.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,965. FIGS. 1-7(h) illustrate level shifting sync,AGC and or pseudo sync pulses, and narrowing of sync and or pseudo syncand or AGC pulses to provide content control. Also, increasing frequencyof AGC and or pseudo sync pulses, and time compression of a portion of avideo signal, which for example, could apply to scaling, may be used toprovide content control or be used as part of a video signal for contentcontrol.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,679. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a record control systemwhich detects AGC and or pseudo sync to cause a shut down. The shut downmay be adapted as content control for other devices such as display,transmission, or (other) storage devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,694, FIGS. 1-2B illustrate changing the number oflines in a TV field or frame to provide content control. This principleof changing the number of TV lines may be adapted to scaling from one TVstandard to another TV standard. Sensing a change in TV format(s) canconvey a content control command.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US2004/0228605A1. FIGS. 1-6Cillustrate modifying black or gray frames, which may be used to conveyinformation to a content control system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,404,889, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate signal modifications suchas VGA or component video copy protection and or sync pulses modified inposition, amplitude, and or width, where one or more sync pulse may bedeleted to provide content control.

Any signal or any modification of at least a portion of a video signalas described by any combination of the patent(s) and or patentapplication(s) mentioned above, and incorporated by reference herein,may be read, sensed or detected for use in a content control system inaccordance with the invention. Any signal or combination(s) thereof maybe provided to a content control device.

Watermarking or finger printing at least a portion of a video signalalso may be used for one or more signals in the detection process of acontent control system and or in combination with any signals describedabove or in any of the incorporated patents. The watermarked signals maybe embedded in a non active video portion of the video signal, in anoverscan area, or in a portion of the viewable area.

The present invention includes many embodiments that sense controlbit(s) and or modification(s) to one or more of a large plurality ofaudio, data or video signals. Such modifications may include one or morecopy protection signals, and or copy protection enhancement signals.Upon sensing any combination of the signals, a content control system isprovided with a content control command for control of a compliantdevice. By way of example, the content control system may include aplayer, receiver, telephone (which may include a wired or wirelesstelephone), set top box, computer, recorder, and or digital/analogdevice. A receiving device may include a wireless device.

Content control may incorporate record, play, transmission, and ordisplay condition(s)/control. For example, a content control commandgenerated by detection of a modified signal can determine whether or not(or how) a program is recorded, played, transmitted, and or displayed.An example of such a condition may include when and or how long theprogram is recorded, played, transmitted, and or displayed. Anotherexample of such a condition may include how a program is recorded,played, transmitted and or displayed. For example, the bit rate,resolution, and or distribution (such as in a limiting way) may beincluded as part of a content control system.

By way of example, various embodiments of the invention may include thesensing, reading or detecting of one or more of the following(enhancement) signals which exemplify the modified signal(s) (such asdescribed previously with respect to the above patents andapplications), and which are sensed, read or detected, in accordancewith the invention.

-   -   1) A lowered back porch (portion or whole).    -   2) A lowered front porch (portion or whole).    -   3) A lowered active video line (portion or whole).    -   4) A modified, narrowed, or widened sync pulse.    -   5) Position, pulse-width, or edge modulated sync pulses (e.g.,        two or more pulses).    -   6) A sync pulse whose edge is changed in position referenced to        another sync pulse.    -   7) A sync pulse whose duration is changed referenced to another        sync pulse.    -   8) A sync pulse whose duration is narrowed and/or includes one        or more positive going pulse (e.g., for causing an attenuation        effect on an automatic gain control (AGC) amplifier).    -   9) One or more amplitude modulated negative and or positive        going pulse. For example, negative going pulses may include        signal(s) going below a black (e.g., below +7.5% white or 0%        white) or blanking level (e.g., below 0% white); and or positive        going pulses may be a signal above a blanking or black level.        Other examples, may include pseudo sync, AGC, or level shifting        pulse(s) in a blanking interval (e.g., level shifted portion of        a back porch and or a portion of a sync pulse).    -   10) A narrowed or widened burst envelope.    -   11) A blanked burst envelope (portion or whole).    -   12) A modified phase, frequency and or amplitude burst envelope        (portion or whole). This modified burst envelope may include one        or more incorrect frequency added to a portion of the video        signal (e.g., after a sync pulse(s). For example, the incorrect        color frequency signal may or may not cause a copy protection        effect on a VCR (e.g., VHS), and can be detected for use in a        content control system or compliant device. For example, an        incorrect color frequency signal (or a signal of correct        frequency but a different amplitude and or phase) may be added        to a portion of a back porch area. The modified signal is sensed        by a VCR, which causes a neglible or non copy protection effect,        but when detected by a compliant device invokes content control,        or copy control by for instance, inhibiting recording, reducing        resolution of the recorded and or playbacked video, setting a        time limit on the stored copy, or the like. This signal for        example, may be provided in an overscan portion or in part of an        active TV area. A modified color burst signal may be located in        selected TV lines such as one or more lines in an overscan area,        or a modified color burst may have weakened or defeated        effectiveness, but still usable for detection in a content        control system. For example, a system can provide a color stripe        signal with sufficiently modified phase or frequency (in a        sufficient number of TV lines) for detection in a content        control system with a reduced or negligible or no effectiveness        on a video recorder's color system (e.g., a VHS recorder). One        example (of a weaken or reduced effectiveness signal) is to        provide for 1 or 2 lines per N TV lines with a split burst color        stripe signal (or modified phase or frequency) or with a        subcarrier signal of incorrect frequency.    -   13) A modified amplitude, width, and or position of a sync pulse        (e.g., horizontal, vertical, equalizing, and or pseudo sync        pulse/signal).    -   14) A pseudo sync pulse.    -   15) An AGC pulse in a horizontal blanking interval and or        vertical blanking interval.    -   16) A positive pulse and or negative pulse in an active        television (TV) line.    -   17) A TV signal with a tri-level sync pulse.    -   18) A modified R-Y or B-Y, Y or U or V or I or Q signal, and or        modified R, G, and or B signal.    -   19) A modified or unmodified pseudo sync and or AGC pulse in a        horizontal or vertical blanking interval.    -   20) A narrowed sync pulse followed by one or more AGC pulse.    -   21) A narrowed sync pulse followed by a copy protection signal        that causes an attenuation effect on an AGC system or video        cassette recorder (VCR).    -   22) A change in a TV line (or horizontal or vertical blanking        interval) duration (e.g., in an active line duration and or in a        blanking interval duration, or letter boxing) or a change in the        number of TV lines in a TV field or frame (e.g., scaling to a        different TV standard). A use for letterboxing may be used for        encoding/inserting/adding information, data or signals, in a        portion of the non-program video area (e.g., portion of the        margin area in the left, right, top, and or bottom of a colored        in, grayed or black area) to provide content control.    -   23) A change in TV field or frame period or frequency (e.g.,        from higher to lower resolution or lower to higher resolution).    -   24) A change in TV standard (NTSC to PAL or vice versa, or a        composite video format to component, or interlaced to        progressive or vice versa, which may include different line or        field duration/frequency.    -   25) An extended amplitude (e.g., negative going) pulse, such as        a pulse whose level is lower than a sync tip level. An extended        amplitude pulse may include a negative going pulse in a blanking        interval whose tip is lower than a “normal” sync tip level.    -   26) An AGC pulse or positive going pulse/signal in a blanking        interval whose positive peak amplitude is less than 120% peak        white. A “smaller” AGC pulse or positive going signal or        waveform or pulse of less than 50% peak white may be included        for use in content control.

Any of the above signals and or other examples of modifications may beused to control content such as limiting recording, viewing, and orpassing a signal from one (compliant) device to another (compliant)device (wherein the devices may be similar or different). For example,one or more of the above signals numbered 1-26, may be provided in avideo signal. The video signal for example, may include one or moresignals in which a compliant device's sensing system or reader may senseone or more of the above signals. The compliant device may not have tosense all signal(s) or modifications. For example, a compliant device ora sensing system or reader may read, sense or detect pseudo sync pulsesand or AGC pulses even though there are also narrowed syncs (e.g.,horizontal or vertical) in selected lines. So in this illustration, amodified or unmodified copy protection signal including a number ofpseudo sync pulses, and or AGC pulses and narrowed sync pulses, mayprovide a command to a compliant device that reads or senses pseudo syncpulses and does not necessarily read or sense the narrowed sync(s).Examples of (compliant) devices may include recorder(s), computer(s),cell phone(s), set top box(es), receiver(s), tuner(s), transmitter(s),display(s), player(s), television(s), storage device(s), and ortelephone(s).

Also, any compliant device may operate at different (TV) rates (e.g.,resolution) and may affect bandwidth (or resolution or (displayed)framing) of the audio and or video signal as part of a content controlsystem.

The invention may be imbedded inside an integrated circuit (IC) ordevice with capability of activation or deactivation by any means suchas electrically erasing lines, electronically connecting lines, and orprogramming method(s). It follows that the invention includes theprocessing of an integrated circuit, wherein circuitry for providing oneor more modifications or waveforms to a video signal exists, whether ornot one or more circuits or systems that provide the modification(s) orwaveform(s) is used. A non-use version may include the electricaldisabling of the intended function, for example, by program control,setting one or more/power/control/signal line(s) for non-operation, andor by enabling or disabling fusable link(s).

A modification to one or more portions of the video signal may be usedin part or whole in a content control system. For example, a change inpedestal or black level in at least a portion of the video signal candenote a signal for content control. An illustration would have theset-up level of the video denote information related to a contentcontrol system. In one example, a change in pedestal (e.g., one or morelevel(s)), a signal added to a portion of a (normally “black or gray” orcolorized) letter boxed area, or a displayed frame around a picture, mayconvey information which may be detected to provide a content controlcommand for a content control system.

The inserted signal or signals, or signal modifications, may be affectedin any combination of video channels available. For example, aluminance, a component, and or a chrominance channel may be used with atleast one modification or signal insertion/addition/deletion to providecontent control.

Another embodiment of the invention may then include the receivedcontent control signal which may be passed on with or withoutmodifications (e.g., to a video signal).

Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates modifying videoresolution, tonal range, color space, field or frame rate, line rate,pixels, and or temporal aspects as part of a content control system. Forexample, if the received video is to be displayed in a high qualitymode, but the output signal is to be of limited quality distributedelsewhere. For example, the received signal may be compressed to a morelossy type of compression, which would show more video motional and orstatic artifacts.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to sense, read,detect and or interpret modifications purposely made to known signals toprovide a content control command or signal for use in controlling adevice.

Another object of the present invention is to (expand the number ofsignals to) include a video copy protection enhancement signal ormodified signal(s) as at least a part of a content control system orpart of content control system signal.

It is another object of the invention to include another type of videocopy protection signal(s); for example, dynamically modified videosignals such as modulated sync or pseudo sync pulses or AGC (or positivegoing) pulse/signals, so as to provide a content control method and orapparatus. Static copy protection signal(s) may be used.

Yet another object is to include one or more variation(s) in a portionof the video signal as a way of conveying content control. For example,modifications in duration and or level in a portion or portions of thehorizontal and or vertical blanking interval may be used for contentcontrol. Also any waveform added to a portion of the video signal may beincluded as part of a content control method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a “standard” video signal.

FIGS. 2A-2E are waveforms illustrating various modifications of thevideo signal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating general and exemplary apparatusfor achieving the functions and signals contemplated by the presentinvention. Any of the blocks within FIG. 3 may be a separate embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4B are waveforms illustrating a “standard” video signal portionand a modified video portion, respectively, in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary portion of acompliant device.

FIG. 5 is a waveform illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a detection system or apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Further examples of embodiments in accordance with the invention includeone or more of the following:

A) A detection device or method that interprets, reads, senses ordetects a level shifted portion in a blanking interval such as ahorizontal blanking interval, a vertical blanking interval, and or anoverscan portion of a video signal. This level shifted portion mayinclude a negative and or a positive going pulse/signal/waveform thatfor example is added or inserted in at least a portion of a back porch,sync pulse, color burst area, and or front porch.

B) A detection device may also read, sense, detect or interpret avariation on certain sync pulses. For example, if one or more syncpulses are missing or altered from a known standard signal, then acontent control command/signal may be generated. For example, if a syncpulse or sync signal is altered in position, duration, and or amplitude,any alteration of the sync pulse or sync signal that is read or sensedmay be used for content control. Similarly, if a positive going pulsesuch as an AGC pulse is altered in position, duration, and or amplitude,any alteration of the positive going or AGC pulse that is read or sensedmay be used for content control. Other examples may include reading orsensing pseudo sync pulses in a horizontal blanking interval (and or ina vertical blanking interval), pseudo sync or horizontal sync pulses ofdifferent duration/amplitude from one line to another, or from one setof lines to another set of lines. A widened or narrowed sync may besensed to provide a content control command. A serrated sync pulse,which may include two or more sync tips, may be sensed. Two or morenegative or positive going pulses with different peak amplitudes may besensed. For example, two or more sync tips of not necessarily the sameduration and or sync tip amplitude or level in a blanking interval, orin an over-scan region, may be sensed. A waveform comprised of two ormore sync tips, wherein the sync tips may be detected by a syncseparator (such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,965), and whereinfor example a positive going pulse/signal of a given duration is at alevel between below a blanking level and above a blanking level may bedetected.

C) A detection device may also sense, read, detect or interpret one ormore “enhancement” signals such as those described in the U.S. Pat. No.5,583,936 and its continuations and or divisional patents. For example,the sensing of one or more signal levels toward the end of a TV line(e.g., added or inserted checker pulses or other signals) may be readand or interpreted as a signal for content control. In another example,a blanked/replaced area of a portion of a video signal may be sensed,read, or interpreted to provide a signal for use in a content controlsystem. For example a line with a blanked or replaced signal such as ablanked or replaced color burst signal or sync signal may be read orsensed as a content control signal. Thus the lack of a signal(s) may beused to convey content control command(s).

D) A detection device may also sense, read, detect or interpret one ormore “enhancement” signals such as those described in U.S. PatentPublication Number US2003/0091335 and its continuations and ordivisional patents. For example, an amplitude extended portion orportions of a sync, pseudo sync, or generated/provided negative goingpulse in a portion of the video signal may be sensed in terms of a levelbelow a known sync tip level and then used in a content control system.An abnormal amplitude sync/pseudo sync pulse, which can have a lower orhigher amplitude or signal level than, e.g., a standard sync amplitudeand or standard sync tip level, may be utilized to convey informationfor a content control system. Similarly an abnormalamplitude/level/duration of a color burst (or AGC pulse) may be read andor interpreted for use in conveying a command or signal to a contentcontrol system (e.g., to a compliant device).

E) A detection device may also sense, read, detect or interpret one ormore signals such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,549. Hereany combination of a modulation (or varied) effect on AGC pulses, backporch pulses, positive going pulses in horizontal and or verticalblanking interval(s), negative going pulses such as horizontal sync,equalizing pulse, vertical sync pulse, and/or pseudo sync pulse, in anycombination of one or more may be used to convey a command(s) for acontent control system. The modulation effect may include position,duration, pulse-width, gap-width, frequency, time compression and orexpansion, and or amplitude modulation. The modulation (or varied)effect can occur within a TV line period, from one line to another, onefield to another, one interval to another, and or within a particulartime interval.

F) Any of the signals previously mentioned in paragraphs A-E may becombined with other signals such as one or more controlsignal(s)/bit(s), pseudo sync pulses, AGC pulses, color burstmodifications in phase, frequency and or amplitude, and or AGC pulses inhorizontal blanking intervals, for use as content control commands forinput into a content control system. Thus extra or deleted (partial orwhole) sync pulses may be used to convey information for a contentcontrol system.

G) Waveforms or signals such as data signals, time code, CGMS, teletext,closed caption, VITC, VITS, VIRS, positive going, and or negative goingsignals/waveforms may be used in any combination (e.g., including withany combination of previously mentioned paragraphs A-F for use in acontent control system.

H) The invention also includes such circuits, apparatuses, or methods,which provide, synthesize, process, modify, and or generate at least onereadable or interpretive signal.

I) The invention includes a reader or interpretation apparatus ormethod. The reader or interpretation apparatus (e.g., sensing ordetecting circuit or system) may be implemented as a programmable readerwhich, for example, is able to be programmed into reading one or moresignals or modifications of the video signal. For example, the readingdevice may be programmed to sense certain types of sync pulses (e.g.,pseudo sync or modified syncs) or to sense certain types of signalsfollowing a horizontal sync pulse (of a set pulse width, includingnormal, widened, or narrowed duration) such as a waveform of aparticular frequency (e.g., subcarrier frequency or non-subcarrierfrequency), or certain levels in a portion of the video signal. Thereader etc., thus may be programmed by hardware and or software, and maybe updated to read new types of variations of the content controlsignals. For example, the updating may be provided via a digital link, aprogramming file (e.g., stored or transmitted), and or setting hardwarecircuits. So one embodiment of the invention is a reader, or aprogrammable reader (e.g., for sensing, reading or detecting a modifiedvideo signal).

J) The invention includes a compliant device. For example, the compliantdevice may include a recorder, display, receiver, distribution system,and or a display. A compliant device includes a reader, sensor, detectorto read, sense or detect modification(s) to a video signal and to outputone or more signal(s). The actual reader, etc., may be hard wired and orprogrammable, may be embedded in a circuit and or may be disabled orenabled via programming and or links (e.g., that are burned or blown).Further, the reader etc., may be for example an invention as describedembedded inside an integrated circuit: As noted “The invention may beimbedded inside an integrated circuit (IC) or device with capability ofactivation or deactivation by any means such as electrically erasinglines, electronically connecting lines, and or programming method(s). Sothe invention includes the processing of an integrated circuit, whereincircuitry for providing one or more modifications or waveforms to avideo signal is fabricated, whether or not one or more circuits orsystems that provide the modification(s) or waveform(s) is used. Anon-use version may include electrically disabling the function (e.g.,by program control, setting one or more/power/control/signal line(s) fornon-operation, and or by enabling or disabling fusable link(s).)”.

K) The present invention includes a compliant device with a (signal)modifier and or signal generator. The signal modifier may change thequality of the video and or audio signal or transmitted signal. Forexample, the signal modifier may reduce or increase the number of TVlines, or reduce bandwidth or resolution or area shown (e.g., partial orportion of picture). Audio quality may be affected (for example uponsensing one or more modifications of a video signal or sensing a contentcontrol signal). The signal modifier for example, reads a contentcontrol signal and outputs a signal, which provides the signal modifierof the examples previously mentioned. Another example of the signalmodifier is the modulation of the video or the changing of the incomingvideo signal with a content control signal(s). For example, the modifiermay remove/attenuate/strengthen/alter one or more content controlsignal, and or add or insert a signal(s). A signal generator may add orinsert a copy protection signal, copy protection enhancement signal, ora copy protection information signal by default or by sensing thepresence of a modified video signal. For example, a modified videosignal may include one or more waveform(s), signal(s), of level(s)provided in a portion of a video signal (such as any of those previouslymentioned).

L) The invention may include an embodiment, which has the encoding of asignal for content control in black frames of a video signal. Such blackframes for example exist in scenes that are faded or cut to black, orthat are in black or gray portions in letterbox. For example, variousgray levels and or color signal (or watermark signal) may be added orembedded in one or more portions of the black frames or letter box areaor overscan area to convey one or more content control signal(s) orcommand(s).

Any combination of the concepts of previously mentioned paragraphs A-Lmay be configurable or programmable and/or may constitute an embodimentof the invention.

The present invention may include the following devices (or compliantdevice(s)) or any combination thereof; a display, a transceiver, atransmitter, an audio device, a computer, a recorder, a player, a DVDplayer and or DVD recorder, magnetic medium recorder, magnetic mediumrecorder, optical medium player, optical medium recorder, set top box,telephone, cell phone, solid state memory player and or solid statememory recorder, wireless device (e.g., wireless device including areceiver, recorder, display, and or player), internet access, satelliteaccess, cable access, broadcast access, network access, WIFI access,WIMAX access, optical access, wireless access, and or wired access(which may include any of the signal modifications of previous mention).

In terms of video standards, the invention includes the use of scalingor transcoding of video signals. The invention also includes progressivescan, interlaced, component, color difference, luminance. RGB, composite(e.g., PAL and or NTSC), reduced resolution (or standard resolution),and or increased resolution standards (which for example may include anyof the signal modifications of previous mention).

The invention may include any compression processing (e.g., DCT,wavelets, PCM, and or any MPEG standard).

The invention may include reading one or more copy protection signal,one or more modified and or added signal and or include generating,providing, or processing the video signal to provide an old or newmodification to the video signal. The new modification may include adifferent copy protection information signal and or a new copyprotection signal and or scrambling/encryption/watermarking. Forexample, an incoming video signal may include pseudo sync and or AGCpulses, and after reading the pseudo sync pulses, a new video signalcomprised of selected narrowed, e.g., horizontal and or vertical syncpulses, with an AGC pulse following one or more of the selected narrowedsync pulses, is provided (e.g., at an output). Similarly (or vice versa)a video signal with narrowed horizontal sync pulses followed by one ormore AGC pulse(s) and pseudo sync pulses, which may have associated AGCpulses to form one or more pulse pairs, may be the content controlsignal that is read by a compliant device. The compliant device uponreading the pseudo sync pulse, may provide a signal without syncnarrowing and may provide one or more pseudo sync AGC pulse(s), (one ormore modified color burst signals, e.g., of modified amplitude, phase,and or frequency) and or AGC pulses in a portion of a horizontalblanking interval in selected TV lines. Note that the location(s) of oneor more positive going pulses in one or more selected horizontalblanking interval on the read video signal may be different forcompliant device's provide signal. For example, a signal coupled to acompliant device's input may have AGC pulses in horizontal blankinginterval (HBI) and in the vertical blanking interval, but the compliantdevice may output a different set or differently located AGC pulses ofthe HBI (or vice versa). A general example here would have a device reada copy protection signal “A” and output a copy protection signal “B” orvice versa (wherein content control and/or copy protection signal A=B orA not equal to B, part or whole of A and or B).

The invention may include a subscriber network and or video or content,for example, based on a fee received, wherein a user communicates with acontent provider for payment.

The invention may include software, digital, and or analogimplementation. For example, a programming apparatus may be included inthe modification of the video signal and or the sensing or reading ofthe modified signal (e.g., a content control signal, copy protectionsignal, copy protection enhancement signal, or a level shifted portionof the video signal.).

The invention may include audio signals, data signals, video signals,and or radio frequency signals. An embodiment may include removing andor attenuating one or more portion(s) of a video signal.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a “standard” or“normal” video signal including a horizontal blanking interval (HBI) 20and a “standard” or “normal” sync signal denoted by numeral 22.

FIG. 2A illustrates a modification of the video signal by an automaticgain control (AGC) signal 24 following the sync signal 22. AGC signal 24is currently used in some content control systems.

FIG. 2B illustrates a modification of the video signal with a narrowedsync pulse 26. The narrowed sync pulse 26 may be sensed for contentcontrol purposes. Also shown in the figure is an optional automatic gaincontrol signal, AGC 28, which can be sensed for content controlpurposes. Alternatively, a video signal may include a narrowed syncpulse 26 and or the AGC signal 28 that may be combined with one or morepseudo sync and or AGC pulse. For example, a compliant device may sensethe one or more pseudo sync and or AGC signal. In the case of one ormore content control command, the signals 26 and or 28 may be ignored.Note that sync pulse 26 and or AGC signal 28 may be provided in the HBI(20, FIG. 1) and either or both may be utilized for content controlpurposes. Further, HBI 20 may vary in duration (e.g., wider or narroweror normal duration).

FIG. 2C illustrates a modification of the video signal of FIG. 1,wherein a multiple sync tip signal 30 is provided in an HBI (20, FIG.1). Sync tips or pulses 32, 34 need not (necessarily) be matched in synctip level or amplitude, but can be matched or approximately matched. Inone example, the sync tips are provided to a level that is sensed by async separator circuit. Sync tips or pulses 32 and 34 may form a“serrated” pulse with a positive going pulse such as at 36. Pulse 36 maybe above the sync separator detection threshold and or at a level belowor above a blanking level 39. A positive going signal or pulse, 28′, maybe provided after (signal) 32.

FIG. 2D illustrates an HBI separated into intervals A-K. Any signal orlevel shifting of either positive or negative direction may beimplemented in one or more intervals. Also, more or less intervals maybe used to define an area or areas in the HBI and or its vicinity. Thus,modifications in level may be done in a front porch area 38, a sync area40, and or a back porch area 42 (e.g., in any interval(s) A-K or A0 toAn (0 to n intervals), for example. Alternatively, the modifications maybe done in other area(s) such as in an active portion of a video line.Further, a modification may be done in an overscan area, a verticalblanking area, or a vicinity of vertical and or horizontal blankinginterval. Thus the illustrated intervals A-K may be expanded,contracted, and or repositioned/relocated.

FIG. 2E illustrates another example of modifications to a video signalwherein at least a portion of a sync pulse 44 may exhibit pulse width,pulse position and or amplitude modification (e.g., modulation). FIG. 2Emay include a level shift to a portion of a front porch region 46 (arrow48), and or a level shift in a portion of a back porch region 50 (arrow52). FIG. 2E may include a level shift of a portion of the sync signalor sync pulse 44 (arrow 54). The level shift may be negative orpositive. Although the sync pulse shown in FIG. 2E or 2D) is an exampleof a horizontal sync pulse, similar modification(s) (such as levelshifting) may be made to vertical and or equalizing pulse(s), inassociated blanking interval(s) or vicinity. Note that the shifting mayinclude modulation. An example of modulation is a time varying effect ofthe shifting of levels. The illustrated intervals (or signal within) of44, 46, and or 50 may be expanded, contracted, and or repositioned orrelocated.

FIG. 2E also may illustrate that from one TV line to another TV line, aposition of a leading edge 56 and or trailing edge 58 of sync pulses maychange (arrow 60 and 62, respectively). FIG. 2E further illustrates thatfrom one TV line to another TV line, the duration or pulse width of syncsignals or sync pulses may change. FIG. 2E also illustrates that fromone TV line to another TV line, the sync tip level of sync pulses maychange (arrow 54). FIG. 2E illustrates for sync signals or sync pulsesfrom one TV line to another, changes in pulse width, pulse position,edge position, sync tip level, and or amplitude may occur. Any of thesemodifications or changes may be sensed, read, detected, and orinterpreted for use in a content control system.

A portion of a sync pulse may include a waveform added to a portion ofthe sync tip. This waveform may include a periodic, non-periodic, and ormodulated waveform.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,936 FIG. 32a illustrates awaveform of about 0.1 to 5 MHz (or other frequency (range) for awaveform) added to a portion of a video signal. This waveform may bebroadly added to any portion of a video signal, such as a portion (orwhole) sync tip (vertical sync pulse tip and or horizontal sync pulsetip), blanking interval, and or to a selected video line. Sensing atleast a part of this waveform example can be utilized in a contentcontrol system. Alternatively, this type of a waveform that has afrequency between 100 KHz and 5 MHz may be inserted into a portion ofthe video signal such as a portion of the vertical sync signal oroverscan area and combined with AGC pulses and or pseudo sync pulses. Acompliant device or reader may sense (or ignore) any combination of thewaveform, AGC pulses, and or pseudo sync pulses. For example, acompliant device or reader may ignore the waveform (such as a waveformwith a frequency in a range of about 100 KHz to 5 MHz) and sense pseudosync and or AGC pulses (or vice versa).

In another example, FIG. 43g of U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,936 illustratesanother example that can be adapted to both active video lines and syncpulses. In this example, one or more positive cycle pulse isadded/inserted to a sync tip area and or to a portion of a video signal.Alternatively, a waveform comprised of positive and negative cycles maybe inserted or added to a selected sync (tip) such as selected verticalsync pulse(s) and or selected horizontal or equalizing pulse(s). Thewaveform or its effect (on a system) may be sensed, read, or interpretedfor use in at least part of a content control system.

Narrowed and or widened sync pulses such as a narrowed and or widenedvertical sync pulse, or a horizontal or equalizing pulse, may be read orinterpreted for use in a content control system. Likewise, removing aserration in the vertical sync signal can be read or interpreted for usein a content control system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a modifier circuit 100, which receivesa selected input signal, such as a video, audio, data, RF, etc., signalat input 101, and generates or provides modifications to a video signal,which modifications are sensed, read, detected or interpreted as contentcontrol commands. For example modifier circuit 100 may provide orgenerate selected waveforms and or replacement of a portion of a videosignal. Circuit 100 (or input signal 101) may include any or all of thesignals and or modifications of previous (or after) mention. Circuit orsystem 100 may be a separate stand-alone processor (for example,providing modified video signals). Reader 102 (via a lead 114) and ordevice 104 (via a lead 112) may be coupled to an input signal source 101as depicted in dashed line. For example, signal 101 may be a digital andor video signal source that may include any or all of the signals and ormodifications of previous (or after) mention and or a weakened copyprotection signal.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a sensor, reader, detector, or interpretercircuit 102, which senses, reads, detects or interprets one or moremodifications of a signal (digital and or analog) supplied by an inputsignal (101), the modifier circuit 100, or by a digital and or videosignal. Sensor/reader/detector/interpreter circuit 102 may generate orprovide a signal (which may or may not be encrypted/scrambled) based onreading or sensing one or more modification to a signal. The output ofcircuit 102 may be coupled to a device 104 as shown by dashed line 106,or may be coupled to device 104 via a command control circuit 108. Thedevice 104 may then respond to the output of circuit 102 or circuit 108so as to perform any number of condition(s) functions, etc. One exampleof a condition or function is to not display, to not record or to notreceive a signal. Another example condition is to have device 104provide at one of its outputs 109 a copy protection signal, a copyprotection information signal, an authorized/de-authorized receivingsignal, an authorized/de-authorized viewing/transmission signal, and ora modified signal. One of these outputs from device 104 may be coupledto a network or to a system 110. System 110 may be a compliant device,which may include a reader, sensor, detector, or interpreter. The inputsignal 101 and or the modifier circuit 100 output may be supplied to thedevice 104 and or 102, as depicted by dashed lines 112, 114,respectively, and provide modified signal(s) for detection or reading orcontent control.

Thus FIG. 3 illustrates various combinations of circuits that may beconsidered embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a “standard” video signal portion with horizontalsync 132 with a duration of Δt, and a black or blanking level 130. Alsoshown is a vertical sync signal comprised of a positive going pulse 134and a negative going pulse 136. The negative going pulse 136 hastypically a sync tip level of the standard sync tip level of sync 132(e.g., −40 IRE or −300 mv).

FIG. 4B illustrates a modification to a signal wherein a waveform iscomprised of positive pulses 138 and negative pulses 140 inserted oradded to at least a portion of the tip area of negative going pulse 136of FIG. 4A. Note that the amplitude of the waveform may have thenegative going pulse 140 below or above the sync tip level of horizontalsync 132 (e.g., a normal or standard sync tip level). Further, thepositive going pulse 138 may be above or below the blanking or blacklevel 130. The waveform may have a frequency between 100 KHz to 5 MHz(or some other range of frequency such as DC to 30 MHz, with or withoutsymmetrical duty cycle). The waveform may be inserted in another portionof the video signal such as in a blanking interval, an overscan area, orin at least a portion of an active line or field. The waveform may bemodified or modulated. For example, the level of the positive and ornegative going pulses or portions may be increased or decreased. Or forexample, the level of signals 140 or 138 may change in level (up and ordown). The waveform may include a pulse amplitude modulation (e.g.,pivoted at negative peak or positive peak or somewhere between positiveand negative peak values), amplitude modulation, frequency modulation,no modulation, DC offset (e.g., over a line period or interval), varyingDC offset (e.g., over a time period or interval), and or positionmodulation. The waveform may be added, inserted or provided to an activeportion of the TV line in selected lines of a TV frame or field, or inan overscan area.

FIG. 4B may be interpreted as adding pseudo sync pulses in at least aportion of the vertical sync signal or vertical sync pulse(s).)

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary portion of one of the devices (104,110) mentioned in FIG. 3. Modification to a signal such as a videosignal is provided by inputting data via an input 150, to a controlcircuit or N-zero register as represented by block 152. The output ofcircuit 152 is coupled to a processor 154, which provides an output at160. A waveform generator or provider 156 is coupled to a modifiercircuit 158 which provides an output at 162. Note that the modifiercircuit 158 may be selected to modify or to not modify the waveformreceived from generator/provider 156. As stated previously, the modifiercircuit 158 may include some form of modulation of the signal (note thata zero modulation can be included). The output 162 may be supplied tothe processor 154 as shown by dashed line 164. The output signal ofprocessor 154 on output 160 may provide for blanking a portion of thevideo signal, adding/inserting negative going signal(s),adding/inserting positive going signal(s), modulating signal(s),deleting at least a portion of one or more signal(s), modifying colorsubcarrier signal(s), modifying color or component signal(s), adding orinserting copy protection signal(s), adding or inserting copy protectionor content control signal(s), adding or inserting “enhancement” (e.g.,copy protection) signal(s), and or modifying at least a portion of avideo signal (e.g., scaling, pedestal, frame rate, number of TV lines ina field or frame, compressing, decompressing, or the like).

In yet another set of embodiments, a new waveform, in which a gapvoltage that is normally set to a blanking level, may be set to higherlevel for greater effectiveness in copy protection. This variation in atleast a portion of the gap duration (between a pseudo sync and AGCpulse) also enhances a basic copy protection signal. The effectivenessof the pseudo sync AGC process can be controlled or varied by changingthe level of at least a portion of the gap. One reason is that samplingcircuits in video equipment or VCR or AGC systems sometimes have a delay(e.g., a propagation gate/switching delay) or have a longer thanexpected sampling pulse after sensing a sync or pseudo sync pulse. If anAGC pulse following a sync or pseudo sync pulse is narrower than thesampling pulse, the sampling pulse will sense the AGC pulse as part ofthe gap area. Since the gap area is typically set to a black level, theeffectiveness of the AGC pulse will be attenuated somewhat should thesampling pulse extend into the gap area. Thus raising or lowering thegap or portion of the gap can increase or decrease the copy protectioneffect or effectiveness of a VCR or recorder or AGC system. Note that atleast a portion of the gap may be modulated to cause a dynamic effect.Also, the AGC pulse(s), for example, prior to a gap, may be modulated(e.g., in a similar or dissimilar manner).

FIG. 5 shows an example of varying the level of at least of portion ofone or more gap intervals, 170 or 172. Pseudo sync pulses 174 are shown,and a sync signal such as horizontal sync is identified as 176 (a variedor set amplitude, position, and or pulse width sync pulse may be used(e.g., FIGS. 2B-2E)). Gap duration of the gap intervals 170, 172 isillustrated as a period after a positive going signal 178. Any portionof intervals 170, 172 may be varied in level (e.g., static or dynamic).For example, for increased effectiveness, a first fraction of theduration of interval 170 may be increased to a value below, equal, orgreater than the peak value of the positive going signal 178. Note thatthis first fraction may be positioned within the gap interval. Anincreased (or lowered) portion of the gap may be varied in amplitude,width, and or position (e.g., to vary copy protection effect(s) oreffectiveness). The gap interval 170, 172 may be divided into “n”segments. One or more segments may carry a selected voltage level.

In a broad view of one set of embodiments of the invention, enhancementmodifications (that are defined here) such as level shifting, syncmodifications, modulation of sync or AGC pulses, incorrect frequency inan HBI, and or HBI/VBI modifications, may be used separately or incombination with a video signal for a purpose of sensing, reading ordetecting a content control signal for use in a content control system.

In a further set of embodiments, any one or combination of theenhancement modifications may be combined with a copy protection signalthat causes an AGC effect such as pseudo sync/AGC pulses, and or AGCpulses in one or more blanking intervals (e.g., one or more horizontalblanking intervals), or a copy protection signal that causes a chromaeffect (e.g., a incorrect color signal in one or more horizontalblanking interval(s)). In this set of embodiments, the synthesized videosignal includes one or more enhancement signal example and one or moreof the copy protection signal(s), to provide the synthesized copyprotection signal. A compliant device or content control system reads orinterprets any combination of the copy protection signal(s) (and or oneor more of the enhancement signal(s)). In this example, the reader,sensor or detector may ignore any of the enhancement signal(s), andread, sense or detect at least a portion of the copy protection signal(e.g., pseudo sync pulse(s) and or HBI AGC pulse(s)). Alternatively, thereader, sensor or detector may ignore one or more basic copy protectioncomponent (e.g., pseudo sync or AGC pulse) and read, sense or detect oneor more enhancement signal (e.g., incorrect color frequency, one or morenarrowed sync, a modified sync, a modified HBI or VBI duration, and or awaveform in the 32 KHz to 30 MHz (or 100 KHz to 5 MHz) range). Thereader, sensor or detector system may read, sense or detect anycombination of any component of a basic copy protection signal and orone or more enhancement signal.

Another set of embodiments includes the programmability of the reader,sensor or detector systems. To this end, new content control waveform(s)that may be provided to a video signal, can be read, sensed or detectedby programming the reader, sensor or detector to accept or interpret anynew content control waveform. The programming of the reader, sensor ordetector may be done with an update file or command. The file may bedownloaded or loaded via memory or by transmission. The different videosignal additions or modifications of previous mention may represent amultitude of circuits. One embodiment of the invention provides aprogrammable detector, which can be configured to one or many types ofdetectors via control bits or programming bits, or a programming file.This programming capability adds flexibility for detecting a multitudeof the modifications mentioned above for example, but also adds afeature of upgrade-ability to detect newly provided changes in a videosignal. For example, any of the modifications above may change inparameter such as frequency, amplitude, position, location, level,width, or the like. A programmable detector can take into accountparameter changes to existing or future content control signal(s),signal modifications, or embedded signals in a video stream or signal.Configuration bits may be provided by transmission, a storage device, orby a system operator or consumer. For example, if a new type of contentcontrol signal is to be added for detection, a user may have to inputcode or bit(s) to view or receive or record the video signal first. Thiscode may then configure an ACP generator or video signal modifier, andor a programmable detector.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a detector200 is programmable to receive control bit(s) from a first input source201 and a video signal (analog and or digital) from a second input 202.For example the first input 201 may receive configuration and or modebits to program the detector for one or more modifications to an analogor digital video signal. Output 203 then produces an output signal thatis indicative of one or more modifications to the video signal. Output203 may be mapped to generate one or more types of signal from thecombinations of modifications sensed or read.

Similarly in FIG. 6B, control and or mode signals (e.g., bits) may becombined in a video stream (analog or digital) as at input 204, toconfigure detector 210 for sensing various modifications to the videosignal, and providing an output 205. For example, modifications can bedefined but not limited to added signals, at least a partial deletion ofone or more portion of a video signal such as sync, burst, active video,and or including scaling of a TV standard, moving a portion of a videosignal to another location, or any other example of previous mention.

FIG. 6C illustrates one or more example for receiving or providingprogramming signal(s) to the programmable detector (e.g., detectors 200and or 210). For example, a receiving device 220, (e.g., set top box,cell phone, wireless device, optical device, etc) may provide controland or mode bits of input 222 to program the detector (e.g., 200 or 210)via an output 221. In another example, a memory device 230, may be usedto provide control and or mode bits via input 232 to program a detectorvia an output 231. The memory device for example, may receive data fromanother storage device, via transmission, or from a pre-programmeddevice. Note that memory device 230 can provide the programming (data)for the detector via storage onto a disc (e.g., DVD, CD, hard drivestorage medium, optical, and or magnetic)), memory unit (e.g., harddrive, solid state memory, flash memory), or tape. In FIG. 6C, a link240, which can originate from broadcast, satellite, cable, wireless,digital, and or Internet (input 242), may also provide configuration,control, and or mode bit(s) to program a detector via an output 241. Itshould be noted that configuration can be defined as mode and or controland vice versa.

The one or more examples in FIG. 6C may be coupled alone or incombination and or may be coupled to a detector 200, 210 of FIG. 6A andor FIG. 6B. Dashed lines 222 indicate that receiver 220 may receive the(mode and or configuration) signal via a wireless network, antenna,fiber, cable, or the like. Similarly dashed lines 232 to memory 230illustrate that memory 230 may be written by an external source (e.g.,for mode and or configuration), another memory device, a receivingdevice, or the like. The dashed line 242 of the link 240, can be modeand or configuration data from an optical, wired, Internet, wireless,analog, and or digital communication or data (transfer) system. Examplesof the types of signals that would be coupled to a programmable detector(e.g., for reading, sensing or interpretation) include one or more (butnot limited to) of the signals mentioned in paragraphs A-L, 1-26, and orone or more of the incorporated patents, publications or applications.

It should be noted that any weakened or modified copy protection signalmay be used in combination with a (basic or other) copy protectionsignal (e.g., pseudo sync and AGC and or AGC pulses in selectedhorizontal blanking intervals). For example, a weakened color stripesignal may be combined with a basic copy protection signal that causesattenuation in a VCR. Alternatively, a content control signal can becomprised of any combination of weakened or non-weakened copy protectionsignals (e.g., color burst modifications, enhancement signals, AGCsignals, pseudo sync signals, modified or narrowed sync signals, AGCpulses in blanking intervals, etc.). Any weakened version of anycombination of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, pseudo sync, horizontal sync, colorburst modification, and or AGC signals (e.g., a weakened version mayinclude reduced amplitude and or width of positive going pulses, orshifted or separated negative going and or positive going pulses, and orfewer positive and or negative going pulses), may be used as a contentcontrol system. By way of example, a weakened version may mean a signalthat has reduced effectiveness on a VCR, but is detectable or hasimproved playability such as reduced darkening cause by AGC pulses(e.g., in FIGS. 2A-2C or in other patents mentioned) or reduced colorartifacts (e.g., color burst modification) on a display or reduced scanerrors (e.g., from negative going pulses). A weakened version of asignal may be combined with any non-weakened signal for content controland or for copy protection.

One example of a weakened color stripe signal is to place at least onecycle of modified phase after a sync signal, followed by a plurality ofcycles of substantially normal phase for selected lines (e.g., 1 in Nlines, 2 in M lines, or the like.) Other examples of the weakened colorstripe signal (e.g., for detection or compliant device(s) or contentcontrol), places the one or more cycle of modified phase and “fill” asrequired in other areas after a horizontal sync pulse with cycles ofsubstantially normal phase. Thus, the cycle(s) of modified phase can beplaced or provided anywhere between a trailing edge of sync and abeginning of an active video line. Note that the horizontal blankinginterval may change in duration or may be adjusted. An illustratedexample can have modified phase subcarrier signal of less than 1.6 usecs(e.g., about 900 nsecs-1100 nsecs) followed by at least 2 usecs (e.g.,3.6 to 5.1 usecs) of unmodified phase subcarrier signal in selectedhorizontal blanking interval(s). Another illustrated example may have1-4 (or more) cycles of modified phase subcarrier signal followed by5-20 (or more) cycles of substantially normal phase subcarrier signal.Any of these examples or a weakened copy protection signal (such ascolor stripe, AGC, pseudo sync, etc.) represents an improved playabilitysignal that may or may not be effective as copy protection. In one ormore cases of the weakened copy protection signal the effectiveness isat least reduced. Another example may have fewer copy protectionwaveforms provided, such as fewer lines of color stripe, AGC pulses, andor pseudo sync pulses. Another embodiment may include providing any formof color burst modification within a vertical blanking interval and orits vicinity (e.g., overscanned active lines). Another embodiment, forexample, to weaken a (color stripe) signal, may include controlling theamplitude of a portion of any of the color stripe signals. For (animproved playability, reduced effectiveness, and or a detection)example, in the portion where there is a modified phase, at least a partof that modified phase (or frequency) portion may be reduced inamplitude (or raised in amplitude).

Yet another embodiment of a weakened color stripe signal adds or insertscycles of incorrect phase or frequency away from the trailing edge of ahorizontal sync pulse or closer to the beginning of an active line. Forexample, at least 1 or 2 cycles is or are added in a later portion of aback porch interval. One or more TV or VCR set usually samples thebeginning to mid portion of the back porch area for color demodulationor color subcarrier reference. By inserting or adding an incorrectsignal away from the beginning and/or mid portion(s) of a back porcharea, the incorrect signal is not sensed or not sensed substantially. Bybeing not sensed or not sensed substantially for the incorrect signal(e.g., via the cycles placed in a later portion of a back porchinterval), an improved playability for VCR or TV set is provided.

In yet another embodiment, a weakened color stripe signal (of modifiedphase and or frequency) may be provided with a lowered portion of thevideo signal such as one or more of the following: a lowered portion ofa front porch, a lowered portion of a back porch, a lower portion of anactive field. Yet another embodiment inserts or adds signals that causean attenuation effect on an AGC system or VCR, such as AGC pulses in theHBI or VBI (e.g., back porch pulses and or AGC/pseudo sync pulses). Thisthen causes under attenuated circumstances (e.g. from a VCR and or TVset), an early scan or early color burst sample such that a modifiedcolor burst that is inserted or added in a later portion of a back porchinterval is not sensed or is less sensed, such as when compared to anormally sampled color burst. For example, the modified burst that isnot sensed or less sensed provides improved playability, or reduces or“defeats” the color burst modification (copy protection) effectiveness.The earlier scan or earlier sample in a back porch is the result of anattenuation provided by one or more AGC signals (AGC pulses and orpseudo sync/AGC pulses), which causes a sync separator to sense one ormore lowered portion of the video signal (e.g., a lowered active videoportion and or a lowered portion of a front porch) that is prior to ahorizontal sync pulse. This sensing of a lowered portion of the videosignal prior to a horizontal sync pulse causes an earlier color burstsample to be provided in a VCR and or TV set which, for example, evadesdetection of an incorrect signal added to a later or mid portion of theback porch interval. For example, for purposes of detection, an improvedplayability, and or a weakened or a reduced copy protection effect, amodified color burst of incorrect phase and or frequency is illustratedin FIG. 5C in U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,132, wherein a later portion of theburst envelope has the modified color subcarrier phase and or frequency.Note that adding or inserting cycles of substantially normal phase withthe modified burst envelope also helps in playability and or in reducingeffectiveness on a VCR. So a weakened signal may include extra cycles ofnormal phase subcarrier. Note that a weakened color stripe signal mayinclude a gap of attenuated cycles or no cycles in the color stripewaveform. For example a burst of M cycles (of a given phase, frequency,duration, and or position) may be followed by a gap of a particularduration (including a finite or zero duration), followed by N cycles (ofa given phase, frequency, duration, and or position). N may or may notbe equal to M. Also, note that a weakened color stripe signal (e.g., fordetection) may have a shortened, normal, or widen duration of a colorburst. In some instances a different frequency (e.g., non normalsubcarrier signal for the particular TV standard), which has less effecton a display (and or video recorder) may be used that a signal of nonnormal phase (e.g., P cycle(s) of non normal frequency provided orgenerated in one or more blanking interval).

In another example of the modified color burst for detection purposewith a weakened or “defeated” copy protection effect, any variation ofFIGS. 3B to 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,132 or FIGS. 2B to 2F of U.S. Pat.No. 7,039,294 may be used.

In other examples, depending on the VCR and or TV set, it may bepreferable to place the cycles of incorrect phase or frequency in amiddle and or beginning portion of the burst envelope or a portion ofback porch (to improve playability and or to reduce or “defeat”effectiveness). For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,294 FIGS. 2B, 2D,and or 2F. It may also be preferable to add cycles of substantiallynormal phase in selected horizontal blanking interval(s) (including oneor more horizontal blanking intervals that include one or more cycles ofmodified phase or frequency) to improve playability or reduceeffectiveness on a VCR, while allowing detection.

In some examples, an incorrect frequency waveform may be added (in partor in whole) on top of a substantially normal color burst signal. Thisincorrect frequency waveform may preferably have little or no effect ona VCR, but may be detectable by a compliant device or a content controlsystem.

Referring to FIG. 2D, one illustration of the adding or inserting aweakened color stripe signal of incorrect phase and or frequency placesthis (incorrect) signal in sectors J, and or K, and fill sectors G, H,and I with normal phase burst. Other combinations are possible.Optionally, sectors A, B, C, G, H, I, J, and or K may be lowered inlevel (e.g., between −5% to −15% white level or −5 IRE to −15 IRE).Again other numbers or sectors are usable. Note that a horizontal syncpulse denoted by sectors D, E, and F may change in position,pulse-width, and or amplitude. Also, the sectors noted in FIG. 2Dcorrespond to A-K, but can be sectors 1-N (in some cases, N mayrepresent some factor or multiple of a pixel duration). Examples of alowered portion of a video signal may be derived from U.S. Pat. No.7,050,698 FIG. 2A (e.g., MFP 18, modified front porch) from FIGS. 3A andor 3B (e.g., MFP 32, MFP 44), and or from U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,936 (andor its continuation or divisional patents). Patent '936 includes in itsspecification and or claims, a method and apparatus for adding awaveform in a portion of the video signal to cause an early retrace(e.g., the waveform may be a negative going waveform which is added orinserted to cause a lowering effect), or for lowering a portion of aback porch region. Note that the negative going waveform may be added ina portion of the active video line or field or overscan area. Any typeof weakened copy protection signals (e.g., any version of a weakenedcolor stripe signal or a weakened version of AGC and or pseudo syncsignals) or signal modification may be provided via one or more mode,APS, ECM, EMM, configuration, control, and or test bit(s).

In terms of providing any of the modified waveform(s), copy protectionsignal(s), weakened copy protection signal(s), and or detectablesignals, a system operator or other device such as a media player,(e.g., a digital video player for example, a DVD, a hard drive player, asolid state memory player, a cell phone, a wireless device, or the like)may enable bits to a device to (turn on or off) deliver or provide oneor more of these types of signals, for example, to set top boxes orother devices.

In summary, various embodiments of the invention include:

1) Method of and apparatus for reading or sensing or detecting a videosignal, wherein the video signal includes narrowed sync pulses in one ormore horizontal blanking interval, and wherein one or more narrowedhorizontal sync pulses is sensed, read or detected and a subsequentsignal (e.g., a content control command) is provided to indicate the oneor more narrowed horizontal sync pulses is present or has been read,sensed or detected.

2) Method of and apparatus for reading or sensing or detecting automaticgain control (AGC) pulses in a video signal, wherein the video signalhas one set of AGC pulses that is narrower than another set of AGCpulses, and wherein an output is provided to indicate the presence ofthe narrowed AGC pulses.

3) Method of and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting two or morenegative going pulses in a horizontal blanking interval (HBI), whereinthe two or more negative going pulses are sensed by a sync separator,and a signal is provided to indicate the presence of the two or morenegative going pulses.

4) Method of and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting multiplepulses during a vertical sync signal interval, wherein the multiplepulses are sensed, read or detected and a signal is provided indicatingthe presence of the multiple pulses within an interval in the verticalsync signal or in the vertical sync signal interval.

5) Method of and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting a pseudosync pulse in a vertical sync signal interval utilizing a syncseparator, further comprising detecting multiple pulses within thevertical sync pulse interval and outputting a signal indicative of thepresence of the pseudo sync pulse in a the vertical sync signalinterval.

6) Method of and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting a presenceof modifications to a video signal, wherein the modifications arecomprised of a narrowed sync pulse, lowered back porch area, loweredfront porch area, color burst extension in duration, color burstnarrowed in duration, narrowed positive going pulse after a narrowedsync pulse. Upon sensing the presence of the modifications, a signal(e.g., a content control command) is provided indicative of the presenceof the modified video signal.

7) Method of and apparatus of the previous embodiments 1-6, wherein themethod and apparatus is part of a content control system.

8) A programmable or configurable detector of modifications of a videosignal, wherein the configurable detector receives one or more bits toprogram the configurable/programmable detector to output a signalindicating the presence of one or more modifications to the videosignal.

9) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8 wherein theone or more bits is received and or stored.

10) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8 wherein adownloadable file, transmitted file, or stored file is provided todetermine the sensing characteristics of the programmable orconfigurable detector.

11) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8, whereinthe one or more modifications of the video signal include anycombination of: a pseudo sync pulse, a lowered or raised level of aportion of a back porch interval, a lowered or raised level of a portionof a sync pulse, a narrowed or widened sync pulse or color burst, anincorrect color subcarrier frequency and or phase signal in a portion ahorizontal blanking interval, a raised or lowered level in a portion ofa front porch or end of line, an AGC pulse in a horizontal blankinginterval or vertical blanking interval, a sync amplitude variation, async level, an added waveform in a portion of a horizontal and orvertical sync signal, and or a level shift in a portion of an active TVline.

12) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8 whereininformation or data is transmitted or stored to provide configurablevideo modifier circuit to output a newly modified video signal, andwherein the programmable detector receives information to configure theprogrammable detector to recognize or sense the newly modified videosignal.

13) An apparatus comprising a detector for sensing a first type of copyprotection signal or content control signal coupled to its input,further comprising one or more circuits for inserting or adding adifferent type or second type of copy protection signal or contentcontrol signal its output.

14) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein a first type of copyprotection signal is provided or designed by one company and a secondtype of copy protection signal is provided or designed by anothercompany.

15) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein the copy protection signalprocesses are provided by one or more companies.

16) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein the first type of copyprotection or content control signal includes narrowed sync pulses andwherein second type of copy protection or content control signal doesnot include narrowed sync pulses.

17) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein the first type of copyprotection or content control signal does not include narrowed syncpulses and wherein second type of copy protection or content controlsignal include narrowed sync pulses.

18) The apparatus of embodiment 13 where two or more copy protection orcontent control signals are sensed and or provided.

19) An apparatus comprising providing a weakened, negligible, or nilcopy protection effectiveness signal that is detectable by a contentcontrol system or compliant device.

20) The provided signal of embodiment 19 wherein playability is improvedas compared to the effectiveness of a copy protection signal.

21) The provided signal of embodiment 19 wherein one or more cycles ofincorrect phase or frequency is inserted or added in selected blankingintervals of selected TV lines.

22) The provided signal of embodiment 19 wherein the selected TV linesare chosen to minimize playability problems and or to reduce copyprotection effectiveness on a VCR.

This disclosure is illustrative and not limiting. Further modificationswill be apparent to one skilled in the art and are intended to fallwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of utilizing a modified color burstsignal in a video signal for content control, comprising: receiving viaa circuit the video signal; combining via a circuit the modified colorburst signal that includes a portion of a color burst envelope with amodified phase, frequency or amplitude, with the video signal to providea content controlling video signal; sensing by a video cassette recorderthe content controlling video signal; wherein the content controllingvideo signal has weakened or no effectiveness on the video cassetterecorder in terms of copy protection and therefore weakened or noeffectiveness on the video signal recordable on the video cassetterecorder; and coupling the content controlling video signal to adetector in a compliant device to provide a command to inhibitrecording, playback, transmission and or display of the video signal. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the modified color burst signal is a colorstripe signal with selected modified phase, frequency or amplitude. 3.The method of claim 2 wherein the color stripe signal is inserted in asufficient number of television lines whereby the color stripe signal isdetectable in a content control system while having negligible or noeffectiveness on a video cassette recorder's control or recordability.4. The method of claim 1 wherein the content controlling video signal ofweakened effectiveness is provided in 1 or 2 television line(s) per Nlines with a split burst color stripe signal or with a subcarrier signalof incorrect frequency.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the modifiedcolor burst signal is located in selected television lines in anoverscan area so as to have weakened effectiveness while still providingdetection in a content control system.
 6. The method of claim 1 whereinthe modified color burst signal has an incorrect frequency, phase oramplitude and is added or inserted to a portion of a back porch area;and when detected by the detector in the compliant device the modifiedcolor burst signal invokes content control by inhibiting recording,playback, transmission or display while having the weakened or noeffectiveness on a video cassette recorder.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein compliant devices include one or more of the following;recorder(s), computer(s), cell phone(s), player(s), set top box(es),receiver(s), tuner(s), transmitter(s), display(s), television(s),storage device(s), telephone(s), wireless device(s), optical mediumrecorder(s), various electronic access(es).
 8. The method of claim 1wherein a modified color burst signal of weakened or no effectiveness iscombined with a basic copy protection signal that causes attenuation ina video cassette recorder.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein at least onecycle of modified phase, frequency or amplitude is added or insertedafter a sync signal, followed by a plurality of generally normal cycles,for selected television lines.
 10. Apparatus for utilizing a modifiedcolor burst signal in a video signal for content control, comprising: acircuit for combining the modified color burst signal that includes aportion of a color burst envelope with a modified phase, frequency oramplitude, with the video signal to provide a content controlling videosignal; sensing by a video cassette recorder the content controllingvideo signal; wherein the content controlling video signal has weakenedor no effectiveness on the video cassette recorder in terms of copyprotection and therefore weakened or no effectiveness on the videosignal recordable on the video cassette recorder; and a detector in acompliant device for receiving the content controlling video signal toprovide a command to inhibit recording, playback, transmission and ordisplay of the video signal via the compliant device.
 11. The apparatusof claim 10 further comprising: a circuit for including narrowed syncpulses or two or more negative going pulses in a horizontal blankinginterval in the video signal; and wherein the content controlling videosignal of weakened or no effectiveness is further indicative of thepresence of the narrowed sync pulses or of the two or more negativegoing pulses.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: acircuit for including automatic gain control (AGC) pulses in the videosignal, wherein one set of AGC pulses is narrower than another set ofAGC pulses; and wherein the content controlling video signal of weakenedor no effectiveness is further indicative of the presence of thenarrowed sync pulses.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:a circuit for including multiple pulses in the video signal during avertical sync signal interval; and wherein the content controlling videosignals of weakened or no effectiveness is further indicative of thepresence of the multiple pulses.
 14. A method of providing a controlsignal for a content control system, comprising: providing to thecontent control system a weakened color stripe signal in a video signal,wherein the weakened color stripe signal includes a portion of a colorburst envelope with a modified phase, frequency or amplitude; detectingvia a detector circuit in the content control system the weakened colorstripe signal; wherein the content control system prohibits recording,playback, transmission and or display of the video signal in response todetecting the weakened color stripe signal; and wherein the weakenedcolor stripe signal has negligible copy protection effectiveness on avideo cassette recorder.
 15. A method of providing a content controlindication in a video signal output by a video receiver apparatus,comprising: receiving a video signal or video file from an externalsource at a port in the video receiver apparatus; receiving a command atthe video receiver apparatus; modifying the received video signal orvideo file at the video receiver apparatus, in response to the receivedcommand, to include a weakened color stripe signal in selected scanlines of the video signal, the weakened color stripe signal having anincorrect color burst in a horizontal blanking interval of the selectedscan lines, wherein the incorrect color burst is detectable butinadequate to prevent an acceptable video tape recording of the modifiedvideo signal, whereby the weakened color stripe signal is an indicationof one of a plurality of content control conditions; outputting themodified video signal with the weakened color stripe signal from thevideo receiver apparatus; and coupling the modified video signal to adetector in a compliant device to provide a command to inhibitrecording, playback, transmission and or display of the modified videosignal.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the video receiver apparatusfurther receives the video signal or video file from one of an opticaldisc, a hard disc, a magnetic tape, or a solid state memory device. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein the output analog video signal conformsto an NTSC or PAL television standard.
 18. The method of claim 15,further comprising detecting the command in the received video signal orvideo file.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the weakened colorstripe signal encodes one of a plurality of content control states. 20.The method of claim 15, wherein the command is received from a digitalvideo storage medium.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the command isreceived from a source external to the apparatus via a delivery network.22. A video receiver apparatus which provides a content controlindication in a video output signal, comprising: an input port adaptedto receive a video signal or video file from an external source; asignal generator coupled to the input port and which generates, forselected scan lines of the video signal or video file, a weakened colorstripe signal having an incorrect color burst for a horizontal blankinginterval of the selected scan lines, wherein the incorrect color burstis detectable, but inadequate to prevent acceptable video tape recordingof the video signal; a processor coupled to combine the weakened colorstripe signal with the video signal or video file; an output portcoupled to the processor for outputting the video signal, wherein theweakened color stripe signal in the output video signal is an indicationof one of a plurality of content control conditions; and coupling thevideo signal to a detector in a compliant device to provide a command toinhibit recording, playback, transmission and or display of the videosignal.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising at least oneof an optical disc drive, a hard disc drive, a magnetic tape drive, or asolid state memory device and which is coupled to the input port. 24.The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the output analog video signalconforms to an NTSC or PAL television standard.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 22, wherein the incorrect color burst includes at least a firstand a second portion, the first portion having subcarrier cycles ofcorrect phase angle and the second portion having subcarrier cycles ofincorrect phase angle.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22, furthercomprising: a control data reader or detector coupled to the signalgenerator and the input port and which detects a command in the receivedvideo signal or video file.
 27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein theweakened color stripe signal encodes one of the plurality of contentcontrol conditions which include record, play, transmission or display.28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the signal generator isprogrammable from an external source via a delivery network.